Principal scientist product development

All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US

Job Functions: Research & Development

Date Published: October 31, 2025

Ref#: R-97362

Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Description

Principal Scientist, R&D – Product Development

Job Overview

Are you ready for a challenging and unique type of R&D role? This position is a Principal Scientist, Product Developer on the Expand The Core Innovation R&D team, where the individual will be challenged to immerse themselves with the consumer and develop new, innovative food-based solutions.

This is a technical leadership role will provide direction for and execution of fuzzy front-end projects. The candidate will be utilizing agile light and iterative techniques to determine desirability, feasibility and viability of front-end innovation initiatives. It is important that this candidate is comfortable with working on projects that have a level of ambiguity as iterative development is key to this role. This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results. This includes understanding the business need, designing, and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment. The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations.

Key Components of the Role/Job Duties

• Adopt agile light and iterative development principles to elevate the consumer experience through products and ingredients.

• Work with cross functional teams, acting as a lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects for different product categories

• Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives

• Translate research findings and new technologies into relevant business opportunities and communicate to cross-functional teams

• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products

• Work with both technical and non-technical cross-functional teams to execute future pipeline ideas

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in product development and commercialization within CPG or equivalent (including experience in innovation)

• Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as ingredients, processing equipment, ingredient interactions, and food product laboratory test methods

• Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others

• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work

• Willingness to travel up to 30%

EEO Policy:

Kraft Heinz is an EO employer – Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled and other protected categories

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$102,100.00 – $127,600.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.

R&D AT KRAFT HEINZ

THE
CREATORS

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.